Lumber Distraction Chair

Abstract

Lumbar distraction is an effective treatment for back pain. However the discomfort and morbidities associated with vertical inversion has limited its use. The Lumbar Distraction Chair delivers a gentler lumbar distraction without the discomfort of being suspended vertically. The device is a modified office swivel chair with inward folding arm rests that secure the patient's legs on the chair seat. The patient positions him/herself onto the device with their back lying on the floor with hips and knees flexed. The arm rests of the chair fold inwards and hold the patient's legs securely onto the seat. A pneumatic telescopic stand elevates the seat, which also lifts the patient's legs hips and lower back off the ground by several centimeters. This provides lumbar distraction to the lower back. In this position, pain and inflammation is alleviated. This permits the muscle cell relaxation, recuperation and repair.

1 . The preferred embodiment of the device is a modified office swivel chair. The arm rests of the chair fold inwards and arm pads flip 180 degrees, downwards to securely lock the patient's legs onto the seat. 
   
   
       2 . In reference to claim # 1 , the preferred embodiment of the device is a modified office swivel chair that converts into a gravitational lumbar distraction device. A patient mounts the device by lying face-up on the ground; with his/her back resting on the floor. The patient's hips and knees are flexed, allowing the seat of the chair to fit underneath his/her legs. His/her legs will be secured onto the seat by the inwards folding and locking arm rests. The seat height is elevated by a pneumatic telescopic stand, which also lifts the patient's legs hips and lower back off the ground two to three cm. This provides lumbar distraction to the lower back. 
   
   
       3 . In reference to claim # 2 , while using the preferred embodiment in the said position, the patient will maintain effective lumbar gravitational distraction, alleviating pain and inflammation. This permits the muscle cell recuperation and repair.